Page 31 of The Lost Elemental

My history professor didn’t look up from her notebooks as I made my way to the front of the classroom. I didn’t think I’d ever been this tired. Not even during finals week when I was working evenings.

It was a new kind of tired, one that encompassed every part of my being: body, mind, and soul. All I wanted was quiet. Some time alone to process the events of the past forty-eight hours. But I hadn’t been able to pause for a moment. I’d been working too damn hard.

I peeked my head out of the classroom and down the hall. Everyone was moving towards the exit. I made the instant decision to head the opposite way. I didn’t even care what I found as long as it was away from the majority of the school.

I wove my way through hallways, things getting quieter the farther I went. I slowed at a set of open double doors. The rows of books tugged at me. I stepped inside and instantly breathed a little deeper. The bookshelves were like a warm cocoon of peace.

This was my place. I’d had the same hiding spot in my old school. I’d sneak away to get ahead on homework whenever I had the chance and escape the hecticness of our school halls.

“Long day?”

I whirled around at Quincy’s voice.

He held up both hands. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I was lost in my own little world for a minute there.”

“You’re allowed. Especially with all the new things being thrown your way.”

I let my gaze wander over the expansive space. “I guess I needed an escape while everyone cleared out.”

“You’re welcome to find respite in here anytime.”

The simple kindness made my chest ache. “Thank you.” I turned back to Quincy. “Professor Belthorn actually wanted me to talk to you about the binding.”

“She stopped by.”

That knowledge made my stomach twist. The fact that she was concerned enough to already have spoken to Quincy. “What do you think is wrong with me?”

His expression softened. “Nothing is wrong with you, my dear.”

“I’m certainly not normal.”

He chuckled. “Normal is overrated, don’t you think?”

“Not when you’re trying to stay alive,” I mumbled.

“Come with me.” Quincy ushered me towards an office in the back corner. “Have a seat.”

I lowered myself into one of the two overstuffed armchairs as Quincy puttered around with a tea kettle on some sort of hot plate. A moment later, a ball of fur launched itself into my lap.

“Well, hello.” The cat was an array of colors: orange, black, and white.

Quincy glanced my way. “That’s Patch. She’s not typically fond of people other than me.”

“She probably sensed I could use a friend.” My hand sifted through the cat’s fur, and she instantly picked up a purr, kneading my legs.

Quincy set a mug of tea on the table next to me. “You’ll find your people here. It looks like Kai has taken you under his wing.”

I pressed my lips together as I struggled to find the right words. “I’m pretty sure I’m just a shiny new toy to him.”

It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate the kindness he’d shown me, but Kai seemed to be the type who was easily distracted, always looking for the next thing to entertain himself.

“I think you’re selling yourself short there, Aura. It seemed to me that Kai was impressed with your spunk and gumption.”

“You mean he was impressed that I kneed Riven in the balls.”

Quincy choked on a sip of tea. “I hadn’t heard that piece of things.”